GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage Puller

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. If the vehicle is equipped with an Antilock Brake System (ABS), remove the one bolt for the ABS wheel speed sensor and the sensor from the steering knuckle. Position the sensor to the side.
  4. Remove the front brake hose bolt and the hose from the strut. Position the hose and the bolt to the side.

  5. Object Number: 327878  Size: SH
  6. Remove the following components from the lower control arm:
  7. • The 1 bolt
    • The 2 nuts

    Object Number: 327882  Size: SH
  8. Remove the cotter pin and the drive shaft nut retainer from the drive axle.
  9. Remove the drive shaft nut from the drive axle while an assistant depresses the brake pedal.

  10. Object Number: 238894  Size: SH

    Notice: Do not allow the brake components to hang from the flexible brake hoses. Damage to the brake hoses could result.

  11. Remove the front brake caliper housing (2) and the brake caliper bracket. Suspend the caliper housing with wire (1) in order to prevent damage to the brake hose. Refer to Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  12. Notice: Use care in order to not damage the boot and the inner oil seal.

    Notice: On vehicles equipped with ABS, use care to not damage the speed sensor rotor of the drive axle.

  13. Remove the brake rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  14. Inspect the steering knuckle for bearing backlash and hub deviation, if necessary. Refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis in Suspension General Diagnosis.

  15. Object Number: 327884  Size: SH
  16. Loosen the nuts on the lower side of the strut assembly. Do not remove the bolts.

  17. Object Number: 297345  Size: SH
  18. Remove the outer tie rod cotter pin (2).
  19. Remove the outer tie rod nut (1).

  20. Object Number: 237903  Size: SH
  21. Disconnect the outer tie rod from the knuckle using the J 24319-B .

  22. Object Number: 327884  Size: SH
  23. Remove the 2 nuts and the 2 bolts from lower side of the strut assembly.
  24. Remove the steering knuckle with the hub.
  25. Clamp the steering knuckle in a soft jawed vise.
  26. If you are removing the steering knuckle in order to remove the wheel hub bearing and seal, refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .

  27. Object Number: 431948  Size: SH
  28. If you are replacing the steering knuckle (2), remove the steering knuckle cotter pin (5) and the ball stud nut (4).
  29. Remove the ball stud (3) from the steering knuckle using the J 24319-B .
  30. Remove the wheel hub, bearing, and seal. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .

Installation Procedure

  1. Clamp the steering knuckle in a soft jawed vise.
  2. Install the wheel hub, bearing, and seal to the steering knuckle. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .

  3. Object Number: 431948  Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  4. Install the ball stud (3) to the steering knuckle (2). Secure with the ball stud nut (4).
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 124 N·m (91 lb ft).

  6. Install the cotter pin (5) to the ball stud nut.
  7. Remove the steering knuckle with the hub from the vise.

  8. Object Number: 327884  Size: SH
  9. Use engine oil to coat the threads of the 2 nuts on the lower side of the strut assembly.
  10. Install the following components to the lower side of the strut assembly:
  11. • The steering knuckle with the hub
    • The 2 bolts
    • The 2 nuts
    • Do not tighten the nuts and bolts.
  12. Install the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle.
  13. Install the outer tie rod nut to the outer tie rod.
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the outer tie rod nut to 49 N·m (36 lb ft). Align the cotter pin by tightening the outer tie rod nut up to 1/6 additional turn, or 70 N·m (52 lb ft) maximum. Do not back off the outer tie rod nut for the cotter pin insertion.

  15. Install the cotter pin into the hole in the tie rod stud.
  16. Inspect the steering knuckle for bearing backlash and hub deviation. Refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis in Suspension General Diagnosis.
  17. Install the front brake rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  18. Install the brake caliper housing and the caliper bracket. Refer to Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement in Disc Brakes.

  19. Object Number: 327882  Size: SH
  20. Install the drive shaft nut while an assistant applies the brakes.
  21. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 225 N·m (166 lb ft).

  22. Install the following components:
  23. • The drive shaft nut retainer
    • The cotter pin

    Object Number: 327878  Size: SH
  24. Install the following components to the control arm:
  25. • The 1 bolt
    • The 2 nuts

    Tighten
    Tighten the bolt and the 2 nuts to 142 N·m (105 lb ft).


    Object Number: 327884  Size: SH
  26. Torque the 2 nuts and bolts on the lower side of the strut assembly.
  27. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts and bolts to 274 N·m (203 lb ft).

  28. Install the following components to the strut:
  29. • The front brake hose
    • The 1 bolt

    Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 29 N·m (22 lb ft).

  30. Install the ABS wheel speed sensor to the knuckle. Secure with 1 bolt.
  31. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 8 N·m (71 lb in).

  32. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  33. Lower the vehicle.
  34. Inspect the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.